LOCKING Y-CONNECTOR FOR SELECTIVE ATTACHMENT TO EXTERIOR OF MEDICAL TUBING

A connector for applying to the exterior of an elongated member of circular cross-section circumferentially uniform radially directed compressive forces by which to effect attachment and fluid-tight sealing thereagainst. The connector comprises an attachment fitting having formed therethrough a bore for slidably receiving the elongated member and a coaxially disposed, radially enlarged compression recess communicating therewith. A flexible annular gripping member resides in the compression recess slidably circling the elongated member. A locking hub disposed at the end of the compression recess remote from the bore has a compression face which extends into compression recess. The locking hub is longitudinally slidable relative to the attachment fitting between a disengaged position in which the elongated member is slidable relative to the gripping member and an engaged position in which the compression face bears against and deforms the gripping member to preclude sliding of the tubing relative to the gripping member by urging the gripping member into radial engagement with the portion of the tubing in the compression recess. A retention pin and cooperating retention slot on opposed portions of attachment fitting and the locking hub secure the locking hub in its engaged position. The connector has specific utility in terminating the proximal end of a coaxial lumen tube assembly used to interconnect an implanted extrapulmonary blood gas exchange device with extracorporeal support equipment.